The large fortress, dating back to the 12th century, once overlooked an area with a port. Throughout the Middle Ages, the structure remained small until it was fortified in the 16th century upon the order of Cosimo 1 de’ Medici, to make the defence system of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany more efficient along the coast. During the 18th century the structure was enlarged with the construction of the “Chapel of Madonna del Carmine delle Rochette”, to replace a small church built in medieval times. The structure was then abandoned following annexation to the Kingdom of Italy when it became first a lighthouse and then sold to private individuals during the last century.
